You are hereby directed:
1. Horse racing is cancelled at your facility through April 30, 2020;
2. If your backside (including dormitories) is open, it SHALL remain open and operational until further notice;
3. If your track is available for training, it SHALL remain open for reasonable equine exercise until further notice.
The intent of this directive:
1. Prevent horse abuse/abandonment;
2. Allow for consolidated feed operations;
3. Prevent homelessness for those who temporarily/seasonally reside on the backside;
4. Provide adequate exercise for horses on property needed to prevent injury potentially caused by confinement
It is incumbent on the horsemen organizations in the State of Ohio and the racing permit holders operating as Racinos in the State of Ohio to submit a 30-day and a 60-day plan to comply with this directive (including financials) to the Ohio State Racing Commission (Commission) not later than midnight April 2, 2020.
The Commission considers themselves a partner with the horsemen and permit holders in reaching a solution to the issues and stand ready to assist the parties in compromise.
You should take all reasonable measures possible to continue social distancing practices.
The Commission will continue to update you as pertinent information becomes available.
Thank you for your patience as we all deal with this unprecedented and very fluid situation.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 614-466-2758.
If you need further information on COVID-19, please visit, coronavirus.ohio.gov or call 1-833-427-5634.
Ohio State Racing Commission